Residents should see snow this winter, weatherman says

Published: Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 9:38 p.m.

Old Man Winter has been reluctant to show his face so far this year, but a local weatherman predicts this winter will be colder than usual, with average to above-average snowfall.

Cold air being pushed from the north is expected to arrive in nearly three weeks, said Paul Speranza, weatherman and Hendersonville resident.

“There are a lot of things unfolding,” he added. “We should see winter weather more frequently than last year.”

A few variables could affect snowfall amounts this season, which Speranza said should be above the average of 10-15 inches depending on elevation.

On average, the Hendersonville area sees about 2.6 snowfall events that measure at least 0.10 inches, said Jeff Taylor, National Weather Service meteorologist.

There’s a chance a jet stream could swoop across the southern part of the United States this winter, picking up moisture from the Gulf and pushing up the eastern seaboard, Speranza said. Mix that with cold air from the north and warm water in the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s the perfect recipe for a significant snow event.

Last winter, meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Greer, S.C. recorded no measurable amount of snow at Asheville Regional Airport — the first time since recordkeeping began in 1869.

Speranza’s January forecast calls for a typical warming trend at the end of the month, then colder weather in February.

He said there won’t be prolonged periods of very cold temperatures, but there will be very chilly days and nights that will pop up sporadically throughout the winter season.

Speranza, who owns Speranza’s Weather House in the Ace Hardware store on Greenville Highway, said residents shouldn’t be complacent when preparing for winter weather.

“If you need things like salt, shovels and generators, get them while the weather is nice,” Speranza said.

The National Weather Service’s winter weather outlook is similar to Speranza’s and also calls for slightly wetter conditions.

<p>Old Man Winter has been reluctant to show his face so far this year, but a local weatherman predicts this winter will be colder than usual, with average to above-average snowfall.</p><p>Cold air being pushed from the north is expected to arrive in nearly three weeks, said Paul Speranza, weatherman and Hendersonville resident.</p><p>“There are a lot of things unfolding,” he added. “We should see winter weather more frequently than last year.” </p><p>A few variables could affect snowfall amounts this season, which Speranza said should be above the average of 10-15 inches depending on elevation.</p><p>On average, the Hendersonville area sees about 2.6 snowfall events that measure at least 0.10 inches, said Jeff Taylor, National Weather Service meteorologist.</p><p>There's a chance a jet stream could swoop across the southern part of the United States this winter, picking up moisture from the Gulf and pushing up the eastern seaboard, Speranza said. Mix that with cold air from the north and warm water in the Atlantic Ocean, and it's the perfect recipe for a significant snow event.</p><p>Last winter, meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Greer, S.C. recorded no measurable amount of snow at Asheville Regional Airport — the first time since recordkeeping began in 1869.</p><p>Speranza's January forecast calls for a typical warming trend at the end of the month, then colder weather in February.</p><p>He said there won't be prolonged periods of very cold temperatures, but there will be very chilly days and nights that will pop up sporadically throughout the winter season.</p><p>Speranza, who owns Speranza's Weather House in the Ace Hardware store on Greenville Highway, said residents shouldn't be complacent when preparing for winter weather.</p><p>“If you need things like salt, shovels and generators, get them while the weather is nice,” Speranza said.</p><p>The National Weather Service's winter weather outlook is similar to Speranza's and also calls for slightly wetter conditions.</p><p>Reach Schulman at 828-694-7890 or mark.schulman@blueridgenow.com.</p>